CAF Command Team Outlines Four Pillars Prioritizing Recruitment and Retention

Only weeks after stepping into her new role as Chief of the Defence (CDS), Gen. Jennie Carignan has named the recruitment and retention of personnel her top priority.

To ensure the top priority materializes, Gen. Carignan and CWO Bob McCann, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Chief Warrant Officer, have teamed up to outline four pillars.

“We have had the privilege of working alongside many of you, witnessing your dedication and professionalism. This spirit defines the CAF and makes us a respected institution at home and abroad.

“While challenges lie ahead, we are confident in our collective ability to navigate them and emerge stronger. Open communication and collaboration are key, and we value your insights and experiences.

“Let us move forward with a shared sense of purpose and dedication to our mission and each other,” read a joint statement from both the CDS and CWO.

Strong Force Needed

In their message to the Forces, the CAF Command Team, Gen. Carignan and CWO McCann noted the need for an effective and ready CAF, which is increasingly important as security concerns increase on a global scale.

“International conflicts continue to shape our strategic landscape, while the impacts of natural disasters create additional pressures on our operational readiness and humanitarian response capabilities. The rapidly evolving nature of global threats, including hybrid warfare and terrorism, requires us to remain resilient and forward-thinking in our approach to defence,” read the statement.

They added that to meet these challenges, the CAF needs its people, who are the “heart” of the organization.

“Without a strong and dedicated workforce, all the best capabilities, training, and plans mean very little. Therefore, our number one priority is the recruitment and retention of skilled personnel across all branches of the military,” the statement continued.

The Four Pillars

To ensure that the CAF has a strong and capable force, military leadership will use four pillars as their support.

The pillars include:

• supporting people,
• operational readiness,
• advancing professionalism and
• enhancing capabilities.

Pillar 1: Supporting People

Under supporting our people, the CAF plans to ensure adequate support to CAF personnel and their families, who are the backbone of the Canadian military.

“Supporting and caring for them means leading in a respectful manner, inspiring innovation and contributions so our people can grow and thrive professionally and personally.”

Pillar 2: Operational Readiness

Operational Readiness encompasses everything from ensuring adequate equipment and materials to fostering an inclusive culture. It also goes down to the personnel level to ensure they are mentally and physically ready for any global concerns they must respond to.

Pillar 3: Advancing Professionalism

“Fostering an inclusive culture is essential. Building a healthier and more inclusive workplace is the essential ingredient to developing innovation, adaptability, accountability, and resilience within our team.”

The new CAF Ethos and Fighting Spirit: The Profession of Arms Canada are the guiding principles to ensure the advancing professionalism pillar.

“Upholding the highest standards of conduct and performance in all our endeavours is vital.”

Pillar 4: Enhancing Capabilities

Enhancing capabilities will ensure the CAF is up-to-date with its counterparts in the areas of modern technology and training.

Read full message here.